Herbs for Cancer in Dogs
** Herbs for cancer can be used in conjunction with conventional dog cancer treatments as a supportive adjunct. **
Our page on dog cancer looks at common causes, signs and symptoms of dog cancer, as well as conventional dog cancer treatment. This page looks at using various herbal remedies to help a dog fight cancer. Please also visit our page on dog cancer diet and natural supplements for information on diet and natural supplements that are beneficial to dogs with cancer.
 Being told that your dog has cancer is of course heart-wrenching, but it doesn't have to be all gloom and doom. Don't give up easily! Be proactive. Make it your mission to find out as much as possible about your dog's condition, and the treatments that are available out there. You may realize that there are more options than you think. With options come hope. Have faith. Believe in miracles. Conventional cancer treatments using chemotherapy and radiation may be effective in getting rid of cancerous tumors, but such treatments can be harsh and tough on your dog. Such treatments can greatly compromise the proper functioning of the immune system. Here is the good news: herbs can be used safely, without intervention, in conjunction with conventional treatments to fight cancer. (There is one exception. According to Dr. Dharmananda, Director of Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon, St. John's Wort is the only herb that has been implicated in a potential adverse effect on chemotherapy.) | Immune System and Dog Cancer Many holistic healers believe that the answer to cancer lies in the immune system. The importance of boosting your pet's compromised immune system is now being recognized as essential in slowing down the spread of cancer cells to the surrounding tissue. In this regard, herbs for cancer can play a vital role in boosting your dog's immune system and major body organs. Herbs that strengthen the immune system and support major waste-removing organs (the liver, kidneys and lymphatic systems) are especially useful in fighting cancer. | Top
Safe Herbs for Cancer in Dogs
(Dried herbs or tinctures of the following herbs for cancer can be fed to your dog.) Red clover Red clover has been hailed as "the" herb for cancer by many herbalists. The herb has tumor-inhibiting properties and strengthens lymphatic functions (crucial in cleansing cell tissues). Burdock root Burdock root supports and stimulates the liver, therefore facilitates waste and toxic removal from the body. It is also a very safe herb for prolonged use. Alfalfa Alfalfa has been found to reduce the risk of cancerous growths and is therefore considered a good herb for cancer prevention. Dandelion Dandelion is a diuretic herb that helps waste removal via the kidneys and urinary tract. It also improves digestion and removal of waste by providing gentle stimulation to the liver. Milk Thistle This herb can protect the liver against harmful by-products of the cancer. As well, milk thistle is effective in protecting the body from liver damage resulting from chemotherapy. Astragalus This herb is an immuno-stimulant; thus it can be used to boost your dog's immune system. In addition, it has been found that astragalus contains an alkaloid that inhibits the spread of melanoma, a skin cancer. Echinacea This herb is well-known for its effectiveness in supporting and strenthening the immune system. Garlic Garlic has a lot of sulphur-containing compounds (thus the strong smell!). These compounds are helpful in enhancing the immune system. It has also been shown that garlic stimulates the growth of beneficial cells. Green tea Green tea has been found to be effective in boosting and stimulating the immune system. It is also an antioxidant and astringent and has been shown to be an effective herb for cancer (especially for some kind of stomach and skin cancers). Mushrooms - Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake Mushrooms, especially reishi, has been used for many years in China and Japan as herbs for cancer prevention and treatment in people. Recent research has found that these mushrooms can enhance the immune system, due to their high levels of polysaccharides and their effect on white blood cells. In addition, these mushrooms have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties. Other herbs for cancer It has recently been found in Malaysia that the herbs ginger and tumeric may also help fight cancer. In a study conducted in Malaysia, it was found that ginger effectively blocked the promotion of cancerous tumors. They also found that turmeric extracts completely inhibited further growth of the cancer cells. (British Journal of Cancer, Vol. 80, No. 1/2, April 1999, pp. 110-16.) Since ginger and tumeric are safe tonic herbs, these can be fed to our pets for cancer prevention. Top
Herbs for Cancer in Dogs - Good Products
Only Natural Pet Immune Strengthener This formula contains immune-boosting herbs, such as astragalus, green tea, cats claw, and mushrooms (reishi, maitake, shiitake). In addition, it contains numerous antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E) as well as coemzyme Q10. This powerful combination of herbs and supplements has an synergistic immune-boosting effect on dogs who are weakened by chronic diseases such as cancer or allergies. Genesis Resources Canine CAS Options Another powerful blend of herbs (mushrooms) with antioxidant vitamins that can synergistically boost the immune system. This formula seems to be extremely effective in canine cancer treatment. Only Natural Pet Blood & System Herbal Formula 2 oz. This herbal formula is effective in getting rid of toxic materials in the blood vessels, lymphatics, and muscles. It can be used as an adjunct in debilitated animals, for degenerative and immune disorders. References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). Pitcairn & Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). TOP of Herbs for Cancer
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